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Treadmills are valuable sports equipment to set you on the path to a healthier and more active lifestyle. The Xterra treadmill is a popular choice for exercise enthusiasts or people who are looking to start a fitness regime. The Xterra Trail Racer 3.0 is a small, lightweight, and affordable model to consider.
What Is Xterra Treadmill?
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The Xterra treadmill is part of the trail racer motorized treadmill series. This model features nine adjustable programs, a 10% incline option, and a maximum speed of 10 mph. This electric treadmill moves by the power of its motor and continuously moving belt. Novices and advanced runners can program the Xterra treadmill, track progress, and solicit feedback.
Product Specs
The dot matrix display and large console of the Xterra treadmill make it an attractive piece of sports equipment. With a 20″ by 50″ running surface, the Xterra treadmill doesn’t take up a lot of space. It also features an adjustable lift to allow for easy fold up and storage. This treadmill model can sustain body weights up to 300 lbs. There are two cup holders for water bottles, a fan, speakers, and an audio jack to plug in your headphones. In addition to the 2.25 HP motor, the Xterra treadmill also boasts a deck of soft elastomers to help reduce injury and stress on the joints.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
Xterra Treadmill
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Ease of Use
We found the Xterra treadmill to be user-friendly and easy to use for novices and experts alike. Make sure to have adequate empty space around any treadmill, even smaller models like this one. The Xterra allows users to track their progress in miles and display calories burned during their exercise. It is also easy to adjust speed and incline during your exercise. There are seven different types of exercise feedback and all are easy to understand. You can program the treadmill for simple workouts or complex workouts with inclines. The high-tech features, including the bright blue back-lit display console and audio jack, are also easy to use.
Durability
The Xterra Trail Racer 3.0 holds up well with its 2.25 HP motor and 300 lbs. weight capacity. The TR150 model sold on Amazon can hold up to 250 lbs. The sturdy construction of this folding treadmill makes is best suited for walking and occasional running. Buyers who run frequently might not find the foldable treadmill to be ideal in the long-term. We found that with routine belt maintenance, the Xterra treadmill is durable and long-lasting for everyday use.
Design Quality
Like most treadmills, the Xterra treadmill has a safety feature. One feature missing from the Xterra 3.0 model is the heart rate control program, but it does have hand pulse grips. The motorized incline provides challenges for novice runners and the soft elastomers underneath the belt make for a quality and comfortable run. The Xterra treadmill has a lift assist folding design which is helpful in saving space. The 3.0 model we reviewed is best suited for home gyms with limited space to spare because of the smaller deck. The 3.0 weighs about 207 lbs. fully assembled.
Warranty
The Xterra 3.0 treadmill comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty. The rest of the machine, including parts and labor if you request a repair, are limited to a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Features a lift assist for easy storage and space saving abilities
- Affordable compared to other electric treadmill models
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- May not be ideal for frequent use as a runner
- Parts and labor warranty are only for a single year
- Programs are limited, and there is no heart rate control program in the 3.0 model
Hybrid Treadmills
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We reviewed the Horizon Fitness Elite T7 Hybride Treadmill next. This folding treadmill is a smart one that allows you to track workouts with the ViaFit app. The T7 belt requires no lube, and the motor is quiet. This model also features a reading rack and can be synced to your TV, but the cost is higher than other models we reviewed.
Ease of Use
You don’t have to be tech savvy to use the Horizon treadmill, but it does require some knowledge and experience using high-tech products. We found the console could be difficult for some users to program. Some users complain about the location of the power switch on this model because it is in the lower left of the front. The screen is easy to read and the music plug-ins and fan settings are straightforward.
Durability
This is a high-end model and very durable for its size (77″ x 36″ x 60″ fully assembled and 271 lbs. shipping weight). It features a variable response cushioning system for comfort and continuous running ease. This model is durable enough to stand up for years. The T7 can hold up to 350 lbs. and can be folded for easy storage.
Design Quality
The Horizon model does not require routine lubrication thanks in part to the hard wax in the belt. This is one of the quietest treadmills, yet still boasts premier construction. It has extended power incline ranges (up to 15% versus 10% with the Xterra). The T7 also has built-in speakers and a Passport Media Player that syncs to your television. The ViaFit app allows you to track all workouts and share progress on social media. There is also a chest strap designed to help you track your heart rate as you exercise. With a 3.25 HP motor built to last and 42 different programs, this treadmill is designed for the long haul.
Warranty
There is a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The parts have a five-year warranty, which is great considering the cost of the treadmill. Labor has a one-year warranty similar to the Xterra.
Pros
- Has many high-tech features, including the ability to sync with television and ViaFit app
- Great warranty for frame, motor, labor, and parts
- Can be folded and stored and is very quiet
Cons
- Cost is on the higher end and the Passport displays are sold separately
- Assembly may be difficult for one person
- The location of the power switch isn’t optimal
Motorized Treadmill
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The Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill was our next reviewed treadmill. This is a value treadmill that also folds down easily and can hold up to 250 lbs.
Ease of Use
The Confidence Power Plus treadmill is ideal for those who are new to running. The machine weighs 53 lbs. and can also be converted into a walking treadmill desk. There are instructions included on how to convert this. The multifunction LED display screen shows your progress as you workout and is easy to interpret. We had to be careful where we placed our feet on this treadmill because it was easy to step outside the belt with its 38.5″ by 14″ running surface.
Durability
The deck may not move smoothly over time and the motor does tend to wear out according to some users. We found this model sturdy and stable, but it is missing a sidebar for balance. This is a great treadmill for endless miles of walking, but there is some belt slippage with higher speeds and running. Its folding design and wheels enable users to easily store this model.
Design Quality
For a value walking treadmill, the Confidence Power Plus is well designed. We did find it to be very loud and shaky when running on it. Perhaps on down-side to the design is the treadmill automatically stops after 30 minutes. You will also need to lubricate the running surface frequently for most effective use.
Warranty
There is a three- or four-year protection plan available for purchase with this product. Both plans are affordable and include mechanical or electrical failures, 100% parts, and labor. The protection plans also include 24/7 customer support and free shipping on replacement parts.
Pros
- Affordable compact, value treadmill
- Can be converted into a walking treadmill desk
- Protection plan is relatively inexpensive
Cons
- Automatic stop after 30 minutes
- Needs routine maintenance, perhaps more frequently than other treadmills
- Belt slippage with higher speeds
Budget Folding Treadmills
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We reviewed budget folding treadmills, which have a shorter running belt, ideal primarily for walkers. The decks on these treadmills are typically too short for runners’ strides and may feel less stable.
Ease of Use
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill has an easy to change two incline setting and easy heart-rate pulse monitor built in. Speed, time, distance, and calories burned are all trackable and easy to read on the display screen. We found this model easy to move on, and it is not bulky; so, it’s easy to move.
Durability
Budget folding treadmills are designed with cushioning layers and to sustain maximum impact absorption. We found these models ideal for walking but durable enough to sustain increased speeds. The Weslo Cadence weighs in at about 130 lbs. and can support weights up to 275 lbs. We thought the track width was enough to run or walk with ease.
Design Quality
The space-saving design means this machine is built from lighter materials. It’s collapsible and easy to assemble, and it’s surprisingly quiet. The Weslo model has 6 personal training workouts but no sidebars for added support. There is also a tray on the front display where you can place a tablet or book and cup holders on the side of the handlebars. Monthly lube maintenance is required at the minimum.
Warranty
There is a 6-month warranty on the Weslo Cadence. Extended warranties are available for purchase after registering your product. Some users complained about the treadmill failing after purchase, so the extended warranty is recommended.
Pros
- Inexpensive and great for people on a budget
- Perfect for walkers and quiet motor
- Space saver, not bulky
Cons
- Lacking in quality parts
- Not suited for advanced runners
- Warranty is not great, but the extended warranty is recommended
Conclusion
With Xterra treadmill’s rare combination of affordability and durability, this model is a solid piece of exercise equipment for casual, intermediate, and advanced users. If you are looking for a treadmill that folds up for easy storage, has a good warranty, and will last, Xterra treadmills are the way to go. Budget folding treadmills may be less expensive, but for a little extra, you can get an electric treadmill, like the Xterra with sturdier construction and fewer maintenance requirements.
